Noise pollution

Noise pollution is the disturbing noise with harmful impact on the activity
of human or animal life. The source of outdoor noise worldwide is mainly
caused by machines and transportation systems, motor vehicles engines and
trains.[1][2] Outdoor noise is summarized by the word environmental noise.
Poor urban planning may give rise to noise pollution, side-by-side industrial
and residential buildings can result in noise pollution in the residential areas.
Documented problems associated with urban environment noise go back as
far as Ancient Rome.[3] Noise from roadways and other urban factors can be
mitigated by urban planning and better design of roads.
Traffic is the main source of noise pollution
Outdoor noise can be caused by machines, construction activities, and music in cities.
performances, especially in some workplaces. Noise-induced hearing loss
can be caused by outside (e.g. trains) or inside (e.g. music) noise.

High noise levels can contribute to cardiovascular effects in humans and an

increased incidence of coronary artery disease.[4] In animals, noise can
increase the risk of death by altering predator or prey detection and
avoidance, interfere with reproduction and navigation, and contribute to
permanent hearing loss.[5]

Contents A Qantas Airways Boeing 747-400 passes

1 Health close to houses shortly before landing at
1.1 Humans London Heathrow Airport.
1.2 Wildlife
2 Noise mitigation
3 Legal status
3.1 India
3.2 United Kingdom
3.3 United States
4 See also
5 References
6 External links

Health

Humans
Noise pollution affects both health and behavior. Unwanted sound (noise) can damage psychological health. Noise pollution can
fects.[6][7][8][9]
cause hypertension, high stress levels, tinnitus, hearing loss, sleep disturbances, and other harmful ef

Sound becomes unwanted when it either interferes with normal activities such as sleep, conversation, or disrupts or diminishes one's
quality of life.[10]
Chronic exposure to noise may cause noise-induced hearing loss. Older males exposed to
significant occupational noise demonstrate more significantly reduced hearing sensitivity
than their non-exposed peers, though differences in hearing sensitivity decrease with time
and the two groups are indistinguishable by age 79.[11] A comparison of Maaban tribesmen,
who were insignificantly exposed to transportation or industrial noise, to a typical U.S.
population showed that chronic exposure to moderately high levels of environmental noise
contributes to hearing loss.[6]

High noise levels can result in cardiovascular effects and exposure to moderately high levels
during a single eight-hour period causes a statistical rise in blood pressure of five to ten
points and an increase in stress,[6] and vasoconstriction leading to the increased blood
pressure noted above, as well as to increased incidence ofcoronary artery disease.

Less addressed is how humans adapt to noise subjectively. Indeed, tolerance for noise is
frequently independent of decibel levels. However, Murray Schafer's soundscape research
was groundbreaking in this regard. In his eponymous work, he makes compelling arguments
about how humans relate to noise on a subjective level, and how such subjectivity is
conditioned by culture.[12] He also notes that sound is an expression of power, and as such,
material culture (e.g., fast cars or Harley Davidson motorcycles with aftermarket pipes) tend
to have louder engines not only for safety reasons, but for expressions of power by
dominating the soundscape with a particular sound. Other key research in this area can be
seen in Fong's comparative analysis of soundscape differences between Bangkok, Thailand
A sound level meter, a basic
and Los Angeles, California, US. Fong's research methodology was modeled after Schafer, tool in measuring sound.
and the research findings show how not only do soundscapes differ, but they also rather
explicitly point to the level of urban development in the area; that is, cities in the
periphery - in Immanuel Wallerstein-speak - will have different soundscapes than
that of cities in the core. Fong's important findings tie not only soundscape
appreciation to our subjective views of sound, but also demonstrates how different
sounds of the soundscape are indicative of class differences in urban
environments.[13]

Wildlife
Noise can have a detrimental effect on wild animals, increasing the risk of death by Reaction to noise
changing the delicate balance in predator or prey detection and avoidance, and
interfering the use of the sounds in communication, especially in relation to
reproduction and in navigation. Acoustic overexposure can lead to temporary or permanent loss of hearing.

An impact of noise on wild animal life is the reduction of usable habitat that noisy areas may cause, which in the case of endangered
species may be part of the path to extinction. Noise pollution may have caused the death of certain species of whales that beached
themselves after being exposed to the loud sound of militarysonar.[14] (see also Marine mammals and sonar)

Noise also makes species communicate more loudly, which is called Lombard vocal response.[15] Scientists and researchers have
conducted experiments that show whales' song length is longer when submarine-detectors are on.[16] If creatures do not "speak"
loudly enough, their voice will be masked by anthropogenic sounds. These unheard voices might be warnings, finding of prey, or
preparations of net-bubbling. When one species begins speaking more loudly, it will mask other species' voice, causing the whole
ecosystem eventually to speak more loudly.

Marine invertebrates, such as crabs (Carcinus maenas), have also been shown to be negatively affected by ship noise.[17][18] Larger
crabs were noted to be negatively affected more by the sounds than smaller crabs. Repeated exposure to the sounds did lead to
acclimatization.[18]
European robins living in urban environments are more likely to sing at night in places with high levels of noise pollution during the
day, suggesting that they sing at night because it is quieter, and their message can propagate through the environment more
clearly.[19] The same study showed that daytime noise was a stronger predictor of nocturnal singing than night-time light pollution, to
which the phenomenon often is attributed. Anthropogenic noise reduced the species richness of birds found in Neoptropical urban
parks. [20]

Zebra finches become less faithful to their partners when exposed to traffic noise. This could alter a population's evolutionary
trajectory by selecting traits, sapping resources normally devoted to other activities and thus leading to profound genetic and
evolutionary consequences.[21]

Noise mitigation
Roadway noise can be reduced by the use of noise barriers, limitation of vehicle
speeds, alteration of roadway surface texture, limitation of heavy vehicles, use of
traffic controls that smooth vehicle flow to reduce braking and acceleration, and tire
design. An important factor in applying these strategies is a computer model for
roadway noise, that is capable of addressing local topography, meteorology, traffic
operations, and hypothetical mitigation. Costs of building-in mitigation can be
modest, provided these solutions are sought in the planning stage of a roadway
project.

Aircraft noise can be reduced by using quieter jet engines. Altering flight paths and The sound tube in Melbourne,
time of day runway has benefitted residents near airports. Australia is designed to reduce
roadway noise without detracting
Industrial noise has been addressed since the 1930s via redesign of industrial from the area's aesthetics
equipment, shock mounted assemblies and physical barriers in the workplace. In
recent years, Buy Quiet programs and initiatives have arisen in an effort to combat
occupational noise exposures. These programs promote the purchase of quieter tools
and equipment and encourage manufacturers to design quieter equipment.[22] The
US National Institute for Occupational Health has created a database of industrial
equipment with decibel levels noted.[23]

Legal status
Up until the 1970s governments tended to view noise as a "nuisance" rather than an A man wears ear muffs for protection
against noise pollution, 1973.
environmental problem.

Many conflicts over noise pollution are handled by negotiation between the emitter
and the receiver. Escalation procedures vary by country, and may include action in conjunction with local authorities, in particular the
police.

India
Noise pollution is a major problem in India.[24] The government of India has rules & regulations against firecrackers and
loudspeakers, but enforcement is extremely lax.[25] Awaaz Foundation is an Indian NGO working to control noise pollution from
various sources through advocacy, public interest litigation, awareness, and educational campaigns since 2003.[26] Despite increased
enforcement and stringency of laws now being practised in urban areas, rural areas are still fected.
af

United Kingdom
Figures compiled by rockwool, the mineral wool insulation manufacturer, based on responses from local authorities to a Freedom of
Information Act (FOI) request reveal in the period April 2008 – 2009 UK councils received 315,838 complaints about noise pollution
from private residences. This resulted in environmental health officers across the UK serving 8,069 noise abatement notices or
citations under the terms of the Anti-Social Behaviour (Scotland) Act. In the last 12 months, 524 confiscations of equipment have
been authorized involving the removal of powerful speakers, stereos and televisions. Westminster City Council has received more
complaints per head of population than any other district in the UK with 9,814 grievances about noise, which equates to 42.32
complaints per thousand residents. Eight of the top 10 councils ranked by complaints per 1,000 residents are located London.
in [27]

United States
There are federal standards for highway and aircraft noise; states and local governments typically have very specific statutes on
building codes, urban planning, and roadway development.

Noise laws and ordinances vary widely among municipalities and indeed do not even exist in some cities. An ordinance may contain
a general prohibition against making noise that is a nuisance, or it may set out specific guidelines for the level of noise allowable at
certain times of the day and for certain activities.

The Environmental Protection Agency retains authority to investigate and study noise and its effect, disseminate information to the
public regarding noise pollution and its adverse health effects, respond to inquiries on matters related to noise, and evaluate the
effectiveness of existing regulations for protecting the public health and welfare, pursuant to the Noise Control Act of 1972 and the
Quiet Communities Act of 1978.[28]

New York City instituted the first comprehensive noise code in 1985. The Portland Noise Code includes potential fines of up to
[29]
$5000 per infraction and is the basis for other major U.S. and Canadian city noise ordinances.

See also
Acoustical engineering
Environmental noise
Industrial noise
Buy Quiet
International Noise Awareness Day
Noise Abatement Society
Noise calculation

References
1. Senate Public Works Committee, Noise Pollution and Abatement Act of 1972, S. Rep. No. 1160, 92nd Cong. 2nd
session
2. C. Michael Hogan and Gary L. Latshaw, "The relationship between highway planning and urban noise"(http://www.w
orldcatlibraries.org/wcpa/top3mset/2930880), Proceedings of the ASCE, Urban Transportation, May 21–23, 1973,
Chicago, Illinois. By American Society of Civil Engineers. Urban ransportation
T Division
3. "Medscape Log In" (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/554566_2).
4. Hoffmann, Barbara; Moebus, Susanne; Stang, Andreas; Beck, Eva-Maria; Dragano, Nico; Möhlenkamp, Stephan;
Schmermund, Axel; Memmesheimer, Michael; Mann, Klaus (2006-11-01)."Residence close to high traffic and
prevalence of coronary heart disease"(http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/27/22/2696)
. European Heart
Journal. 27 (22): 2696–2702. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehl278(https://doi.org/10.1093%2Feurheartj%2Fehl278) .
ISSN 0195-668X (https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0195-668X). PMID 17003049 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubme
d/17003049).
5. "Results and Discussion - Effects - Noise Effect On Wildlife - Noise - Environment - FHW
A" (https://www.fhwa.dot.go
v/environment/noise/noise_effect_on_wildlife/effects/wild04.cfm). www.fhwa.dot.gov. Retrieved 2015-12-21.
6. S. Rosen and P. Olin, Hearing Loss and Coronary Heart Disease, Archives of Otolaryngology, 82:236 (1965)
 7. J.M. Field, Effect of personal and situational variables upon noise annoyance in residential areas
, Journal of the
Acoustical Society of America, 93: 2753-2763 (1993)
8. "Noise Pollution" (http://www.euro.who.int/Noise). World Health Organisation.
9. "Road noise link to blood pressure"(http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8247217.stm)
. BBC News. 2009-09-10.
Retrieved 2010-05-20.
10. Jefferson, Catrice. "Noise Pollution" (http://www.epa.gov/air/noise.html). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Retrieved 2013-09-24.
11. Rosenhall U, Pedersen K, Svanborg A (1990). "Presbycusis and noise-induced hearing loss".
Ear Hear. 11 (4): 257–
63. doi:10.1097/00003446-199008000-00002(https://doi.org/10.1097%2F00003446-199008000-00002) .
PMID 2210099 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2210099).
12. Schafer, Murray (1977). The Soundscape. Destiny Books.
13. Fong, Jack (2016). "Making Operative Concepts from Murray Schafer's Soundscapesypology:
T A Qualitative and
Comparative Analysis of Noise Pollution in Bangkok, Thailand and Los Angeles, California".
Urban Studies. 53 (1):
173–192.
14. Bahamas Marine Mammal Stranding Event of 15–16 March 2000(http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/acoustics/baha
mas_stranding.pdf)
15. [NULL]. "DOSITS: Page Not Found"(http://www.dosits.org/glossary/pop/lvr.htm). Retrieved 25 September 2015.
16. "Variation in humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) song length in relation to"(http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2
003ASAJ..113.3411F). Bibcode:2003ASAJ..113.3411F(http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2003ASAJ..113.3411F) .
Retrieved 25 September 2015.
17. McClain, Craig. "Loud Noise Makes Crabs Even More Crabby"(http://deepseanews.com/2013/04/load-noise-makes-
crabs-edgy/). Deep Sea News. Retrieved 2013-04-04.
18. Wale, M. A.; Simpson, S. D.; Radford, A. N. 2013).
( "Size-dependent physiological responses of shore crabs to
single and repeated playback of ship noise"(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3639773). Biology
Letters. 9 (2): 20121194–20121194.doi:10.1098/rsbl.2012.1194(https://doi.org/10.1098%2Frsbl.2012.1194).
ISSN 1744-9561 (https://www.worldcat.org/issn/1744-9561). PMC 3639773 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/article
s/PMC3639773) . PMID 23445945 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23445945).
19. Fuller RA, Warren PH, Gaston KJ (2007)."Daytime noise predicts nocturnal singing in urban robins"(https://www.nc
bi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2390663). Biology Letters. 3 (4): 368–70. doi:10.1098/rsbl.2007.0134(https://doi.or
g/10.1098%2Frsbl.2007.0134). PMC 2390663 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2390663) .
PMID 17456449 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17456449).
20. Perillo, A.; Mazzoni, L. G.; Passos, L. F
.; Goulart, V. D. L. R.; Duca, C.; Young, R. J. (2017). "Anthropogenic noise
reduces bird species richness and diversity in urban parks"(http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ibi.12481/full).
Ibis. 159 (3): 638–646. doi:10.1111/ibi.12481 (https://doi.org/10.1111%2Fibi.12481).
21. Milius, S. (2007). High Volume, Low Fidelity: Birds are less faithful as sounds blare,Science News vol. 172, p. 116.
(references (http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20070825/fob3ref.asp))
22. "CDC - Buy Quiet - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topics" (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/buyquiet/default.
html). Retrieved 25 September 2015.
23. "CDC - Buy Quiet: Efforts - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topics" (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/buyquiet/
efforts.html). Retrieved 25 September 2015.
24. IANS (29 August 2016)."Freedom from noise pollution will be true independence (Comment: Special to IANS)"(htt
p://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/freedom-from-noise-pollution-will-be-true-independence-comment-
special-to-ians-116082900219_1.html)– via Business Standard.
25. "Central Pollution Control Board: FAQs" (http://cpcb.nic.in/faq1.php). Retrieved 25 September 2015.
26. Rising festival noise undoing past efforts' (http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Rising-festival-noise-u
ndoing-past-efforts/Article1-939539.aspx)
27. "London is home to the noisiest neighbours"(http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23714071-details/Londo
n+is+home+to+the+noisiest+neighbours/article.do) . London Evening Standard.
28. EPA. "Noise pollution" (http://www.epa.gov/air/noise.html). Environmental protection agency. Retrieved 2013-10-28.
29. City of Portland, Oregon. Auditor's Office. Chapter 18.02 Title Noise Control (http://www.portlandonline.com/auditor/i
ndex.cfm?c=28705). Retrieved on April 20, 2009.
External links
Noise effects. Beyond annoyance
Noise Pollution in U.S. National Parks
ASBHelp.co.uk - Report Noise Pollution in the UK
Noise pollution at DMOZ
World Health Organization - Guidelines for Community Noise
The effects of noisy urban environment maycause the loss of memory to elderly person (abstract published in 1st
World Congress of Health and Urban Environment book.)
Clive Thompson on How Man-Made Noise May Be Altering Earth's Ecology
EEA draws the first map of Europe's noise exposure - All press releases — EEA
Scientific American: How does background noise affect our concentration?(2010-01-04)

(2010-03-08)

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